Make the right choice when buying wooden flooring for your home or office.
Timber flooring rocks, it makes for a warm and natural feel to any room, is aesthetic and relatively easy to maintain, and is more hygienic than carpets. There are, however, many aspects to consider when it comes to your timber flooring options. We’ll take a look at a few.
What type of flooring to use?
Probably your toughest choice is what flooring to use. There are many options, which can be categorised into bamboo, engineered and hardwood. All of these are natural, recycled wooden boards and popular across Australia for their aesthetic appeal and durability.
Engineered timber flooring is made by attaching different types of wood, usually plywood, and then adding a surface layer to the top. This is practical as there are various colour and grain options, and the panels can be cut to any length you require. This is all done off-site so installation is easy, and relatively mess and smell free.
Engineered timber gives you the look of a hardwood floor but at a lower price.
Bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly options to use when it comes to flooring as it is a hardy and fast growing plant. It also provides your home with a lovely, natural look and feel.
Solid Timber Flooring
This type of flooring is manufactured from solid, natural wood. It sands well and can therefore be refinished multiple times. By sanding the floor when required, you can have it looking good as new, even after many years of use. They also provide a natural look and are long-lasting.
Cost
Cost can vary dramatically depending on what type of wood you use. Measure the entire area that needs flooring and then get multiple quotes from a variety of sources before making a decision. You could use different woods in different rooms to bring the cost down, if necessary. Always allow for some extra costs for additional add-ons like acoustic underlay or a vapour barrier
Colour
The quality of your wood determines its longevity, but the colour creates the atmosphere and can have a huge influence on any room. The first thing is to take any architectural or centrepieces into account and colour your floor accordingly.
The finish you apply to your wood also has an influence. Oil-based finishes tend to give the wood a golden glow, while a water-based finish leaves the original colour intact for a more natural look.
When installing wood in smaller places, it’s best to use lighter colours to enhance the light, while darker colours can be used in rooms that enjoy a large amount of natural light. Darker floors also hide dirt more effectively and should be used in high traffic areas.
Remember when choosing a colour, the true colour of your wooden floor will only reveal itself after it has been sanded and finished.
Maintenance
Before installing any flooring, check the maintenance costs involved as some floors require more than others. Solid timber is highly durable, but must be properly sealed immediately after installation to be effective. Most wooden floors, if refinished and installed properly, should not require a lot of maintenance, but those floors in high traffic areas will need more care and attention than others.
The Environment
Although most wooden flooring might be natural, it is not always environment-friendly. That’s why many people use laminate flooring in Perth. Laminate flooring looks like it’s natural, but often uses very little natural products in its production. It’s made from recycled natural resources, suitable for heavy-duty use, is recyclable and does not contain any toxic chemicals.
There you have a start-up guide to installing your timber floors. Remember, before making any decision, do as much research as you can, see as many real examples in existing homes as you can and consult with the experts. The results will be worth the extra effort.
Contact your local flooring specialists for more information.
